What are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Because the symptoms of traumatic brain injury vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition and the area of the brain affected, it is often difficult for individuals to identify whether or not they have suffered a brain injury following an accident.
At the Brain Injury Law Center of New Mexico in Albuquerque, we want to provide you with information designed to help you know how to move forward. This information is not meant to take the place of a professional medical diagnosis. If you display any of the symptoms below, we encourage you to seek medical attention in a timely manner. To discuss legal matters associated with your injury, contact us today.
Tracing the Course of Events After an Accident
Following an accident in which injury occurs, the individual is generally taken to the hospital to be examined. This may include a skull X-ray or a CT scan before being sent home without a diagnosis. Often the patients are told that they have cervical strain and the predominant medical problem is generally a headache. Yet as time passes, other behavioral modifications may occur — shifts that may point to a more serious problem.
Below is a list of symptoms that may occur following an injury to the head. Depending on the degree, any of these symptoms alone may be disabling.
A Review of Symptoms That Point to Traumatic Brain Injury:
- Coma or brief loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Attention and concentration problems
- Personality change
- Irritability, anger and/or frustration
- Difficulty in organizing tasks, planning the day, preparing meals, planning a workday or other activities
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Inability to fall asleep or remain asleep
- Balance and dizziness problems
- Difficulty in reading or watching television
- Speech and communication problems with inability to find the right words, inability to express thoughts and misunderstanding of what others are saying
- Difficulty with noisy environments, like the grocery store, restaurants, work environment or kids watching television in the next room, which difficulty might not have been present prior to the accident
- Difficulty with social settings such as parties, social gatherings or church
- Difficulty or confusion in following multiple conversations
- Depression that can be related to traumatic brain injury itself or as a reaction to changes in ability
If you or a loved one displays any of these symptoms following an accident, we encourage you to seek qualified medical attention. At the Brain Injury Law Center of New Mexico, we are happy to provide you with the resources you need for assistance and support. Contact us today.
